Seven Must Watch Shows Coming This Summer

Summer is upon us once again which means; as the weather gets warmer and our days get longer, we’re finding ourselves indoors a lot more. One of America’s most popular past times is watching T.V. in fact networks center premiere dates for new shows around the summer time to bring in an audience during that extra hour we get.

This summer sees some of television’s, most exciting shows return along with a crop of new series premiering across all platforms. These shows feature an array of diverse talent from creators behind the scenes to the minority leads in said series. Along with diversity in the program genres, with shows dealing in high fantasy to groundbreaking hyperrealism.

Premiering This Year

Dear White People

Network: Netflix

Premiere Date: April 28th, 2017

Genre: Satirical-Comedy

Based on the 2014 film of the same name, Dear White People the series is a continuation of the events that took place near the end of the film. The story follows a group of young African-American Ivy League students at a fictional university and the many racially charged conflicts that are brought on to them.

Consisting of 10 half hour episodes centered around characters in the main cast most notably, the outspoken Sam White portrayed by Logan Browning who is replacing Tessa Thompson from the film and her controversial college talk radio show also named after the series. Despite the negative reaction from social media trolls, the show has already received a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes website.

American Gods

Network: Starz

Premiere Date: April 30th, 2017

Genre: Drama, Fantasy

Based on the 2001 Neil Gaiman best-selling novel, American Gods fills a wide void in entertainment with the lack of Black characters featured in fantasy narratives, even appropriately casting Black actors in the roles of Egyptian Gods.

Speaking of Gods, the show follows a man named Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) who had just served 3 years in prison and is quickly employed by a man named Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) who is actually the Norse God Odin, the story only gets more insane after that. The show so far has gotten rave reviews for its stunning visuals and gritty storytelling, if you don’t have Starz it is at least worth getting the app utilizing the free trial and get hip to the series.

The Defenders

Network: Netflix

Premiere Date: August 18, 2017

Genre: Superhero

Marvel’s Netflix heroes team up for the miniseries The Defenders taken from the comic franchise of the same name. This show has been said to be the street level equivalent to the Avengers that handle the minor situations that do not have an effect on the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The show is a combination of the three Netflix hit shows, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage as well as the poorly received Iron Fist coming together for the first time on the small screen as well as featuring many of the supporting characters that help keep the storyline moving.

Marlon

Network: NBC

Premiere Date: August 16, 2017

Genre: Sitcom

The youngest of the Wayans family, Marlon steps out with his first leading role in a television sitcom. The show follows an immature yet loving father as he deals with getting adjusted to his divorce from his wife portrayed by Essence Atkins as they struggle to raise their two ever growing young kids together.

Returning This Summer

Insecure

Network: HBO

Returning: July 23, 2017

Genre: Comedy

After receiving rave reviews after it’s premiere last fall, HBO and Issa Rae surprised viewers by announcing the show’s early return this summer! Insecure became an instant favorite for many applauding it for its realistic portrayal of millennial life, the show went on to been ranked as one of 2016’s best television series.

While a comedy the show manages to have some powerful story moments about dealing with infidelity and moving forward from a relationship. To find out what Issa, Molly, and Lawrence will do next we’ll have to wait until July to find out!

Power

Network: Starz

Returning: June 25, 2017

Genre: Crime-Drama

“They say this is a big rich town and I just come from the poorest part!”

Starz hit show Power returns this summer. One of TVs must watch series, now going on its 4th season! We catch up with Ghost from behind bars after what went down last season and see how it plays out. Also, how will handle Tommy becoming New York’s next big druglord? Tune in June 25th to find out how the story plays out!

Queen Sugar

Network: OWN

Returning: June 20 & 21, 2017

Genre: Drama

Queen Sugar returns for a special two-night event! Based in New Orleans following the Bordelon sibling’s life now that their sugar farm is up for grabs. Ava Duvernay’s show features masterful storytelling and beautiful groundbreaking cinematography. The show returns this June only on the OWN Network.